Mnemba Island (Day Trip)

Mnemba Island is a single small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast of Unguja, the largest island of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania, opposite Muyuni Beach. It is roughly triangular, about 500 m in diameter and about 1.5 km in circumference. It is surrounded by an oval reef seven by four kilometers in extent. These reefs have been declared a Marine Conservation Area. Mnemba Island and its reef are sometimes called Mnemba Atoll which is incorrect because an atoll is an island that encircles a lagoon, which is not the case for Mnemba Island.

Best Time To Visit Mnemba Island.

The best time to visit Mnemba Island is during the dry seasons, from June to October and again from December to February. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. The weather is pleasantly warm but not too humid, perfect for beach relaxation and marine adventures.

How To Get There.

Your Mnemba Island adventure can start in style, whether by private road transfer or helicopter. From Stone Town or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, a scenic 1.5-hour drive takes you through Zanzibar’s lush countryside to Muyuni or Matemwe beach, where boats depart for Mnemba. For a truly special experience, a helicopter transfer offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Zanzibar’s coastline, coral reefs, and the brilliant turquoise waters surrounding the island.

From the beach, it’s just a 10 to 20-minute boat ride across crystal-clear waters to Mnemba Island. With no jetties, you’ll step directly from the boat onto the soft, white sand — a fitting arrival to this private island paradise. Whether you’re coming for diving, snorkeling, or pure relaxation, the journey to Mnemba is part of the magic.